A Message from Father Burns

      On this occasion of the celebration of forty years of Priesthood, I am most grateful to God for the countless graces of consolation and support that I have received during that time and during my twelve years of seminary preparation.  The first to offer me comfort and support are my deceased parents, Mr. and Mrs. Shelby Joseph Burns, Jr.; my brothers and sisters, Patricia Burns White, Shelby Joseph Burns III (deceased), Carolyn Burns McIntyre, Mark Timothy Burns, Kay Burns Crochet, and Matt Timothy Burns and their families which consist of my sisters-in-law Carmen Burns, Gail Burns, Cherie Burns, and my brother-in-law, Danny Crochet, and my 15 nieces and nephews.  I am also most grateful for having such a large extended family that consisted of 39 Aunts and Uncles many of whom are now deceased.  My father was one of 12 children and my mother was one of 11 children. Of course I must mention my two grandmothers, Zeolide Talbot Burns and Marie Caballero Dugas.  To this day I continue to draw strength from the great example that my family has given to me. From the very first mention of my thoughts of priesthood, they were most supportive then and have continued to offer me encouragement and strength.

     Sacred Heart Parish and School is where I received my first education and formation. Msgr. Paul J. Gauci was my Pastor when I started school in 1949 and was Pastor when I was ordained in 1969. He offered me great support and encouragement. Joining him in that effort included the Sisters of St. Joseph who educated me at Sacred Heart and fostered my earliest expressions of the desire for seminary formation.   The Benedictine Fathers of St. Joseph Abbey and Seminary still have my greatest admiration and appreciation. It is a place where I continue to go for strength and renewal.  The Marist Fathers at Notre Dame Seminary challenged me to grow during my six years in New Orleans. I am also thankful for the first Pastors who helped to train me in ministry:

Msgr. George Barbier, Msgr. Donald Songy,

and my own Uncle Rev. Jerome Dugas.

      I am most honored to have served with so many faithful Catholics in several parishes as Pastor: St. Francis of Assisi in Smoke Bend near Donaldsonville, St. John the Evangelist in Prairieville, Assumption Catholic Church in Plattenville, St. Anne and Immaculate Conception in Napoleonville and St. Aloysius Church in Baton Rouge.

     I am most grateful for the spiritual support I have received from the Jesuit Fathers at Grand Coteau, Manresa Retreat House, and Holy Spirit Retreat House in Anchorage, Alaska.  Particularly I would like to mention my Spiritual Director for ten years, Rev. Pat Phillips, S.J. and my thirty day retreat director, Rev. Vincent Beuzer, S.J..

      I truly appreciate all of the presbyterate of the Diocese of Baton Rouge and the five Bishops with whom I have ministered. In particular I am especially for the members of my priestly support group for the past 22 years:

Rev. Howard Hall, Rev. Tom Ranzino, Rev. Tom Duhe,

Rev. Henry Gautreau, Bishop Shelton Fabre and the late Rev. David Vavaseur.

      Finally, I humbly ask the forgiveness of any one that I may have offended during these forty years.  I am most grateful for all the friends that I have made who have offered me support and encouragement over these forty years. They know who they are and each and all of you have my deepest respect and admiration.